WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $8.4 million to support the work of 54 partner organizations in 35 states to provide training, outreach and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged, tribal and veteran farmers and ranchers. An additional $400,000 will help establish the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss.
"Today's announcement is part of our ongoing commitment to support an agricultural landscape where there is room and opportunity for all," said Vilsack. "Agriculture is just like any other business-it needs people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels in order to reach its full potential and meet the challenges of tomorrow. Identifying, recruiting and training a vibrant next generation of American farmers and ranchers has never been more exciting or more urgent than it is right now." Among today's recipients, 31 partner organizations serve persistent poverty counties that are part of USDA's StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative. Twenty-five of the partnerships include resources for veterans interested in farming and 12 focus on tribal communities.
Examples include a $200,000 grant in Minnesota and western Wisconsin to support the Latino Economic Development Center in assisting low-income, beginning Latino and Hmong farmers by providing direct training and assistance to increase land ownership, profitability and sustainability. In South Carolina a $147,722 grant will support Project Outreach, Education and Training (POET) coordination in areas identified as having the highest concentrations of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers in USDA StrikeForce counties.
Recipients include: State Recipient Organization Award Amount Alabama Alabama A&M University $180,791 Alabama Alabama State Association of Cooperatives $200,000 Alabama Tuskegee University $200,000 Alabama The United Christian Community Association $114,300 Alaska Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance $86,286 Alaska University of Alaska Fairbanks $75,134 Arizona Developing Innovation in Navajo Education $199,348 Arkansas University of Arkansas System $200,000 California National Hmong American Farmers $105,847 Colorado Adams State University $127,387 Colorado First Nations Development Institute $158,175 Delaware Delaware State University $199,988 Florida Wealth Watchers $176,131 Florida Florida International University $174,759 Florida North South Institute $141,664 Georgia Georgia Organics $59,392 Georgia Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council $106,417 Georgia Quarterman, James dba FMG Farm $125,981 Hawaii The Kohala Center $171,465 Idaho Mountain States Group $94,052 Kentucky Kentucky State University $199,982 Louisiana Southern University and A&M College $200,000 Maryland University of Maryland Eastern Shore $181,605 Michigan Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems $101,105 Minnesota Hmong National Development $195,926 Minnesota Latino Economic Development CE $200,000 Mississippi Alcorn State University Education Building Corporation $200,000 Mississippi Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance $150,000 Mississippi Tugaloo College $199,983 Mississippi Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative $150,992 Mississippi Winston County Self Help $200,000 Missouri Lincoln University $199,965 Montana NACDC Financial Services $131,859 Montana National Center for Appropriate Technology $99,095 New Mexico New Mexico State University $199,767 New York International Rescue Committee $200,000 North Carolina North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University $197,871 Ohio Central State University $199,999 Oklahoma Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative $132,799 Oregon Adelante Mujeres $62,712 Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Horticultural Society $199,950 Rhode Island Souths Side Community Land Trust $114,968 South Carolina United Farmers USA, Inc. $147,722 Tennessee Tennessee State University $155,133 Texas Gleaning Network of Texas $139,513 Texas Prairie View A&M University $200,000 Texas University of Texas - Pan American $199,995 Vermont University of Vermont & State Agricultural College $41,602 Virginia Virginia State University $200,000 Washington Washington State University $40,770 West Virginia West Virginia State University $199,793 Wisconsin Linda & Gene Farley Center for Peace Justice and Sustainability $197,816 Wisconsin Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program $88,816 Wisconsin Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin $199,645 Total $8,426,500 These grants are administered through USDA's Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO) 2501 Program. Since 2010, more than $74 million has been invested through the 2501 Program to leverage the work of 304 local partners. The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorized the program and expanded assistance to include military veterans.
Creation of a center for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research at an 1890 Land-Grant Institution was authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. The Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University will provide a national hub for analysis and development of policy recommendations to improve engagement and promote the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
OAO works across USDA agencies to improve the viability and profitability of small and beginning farmers and ranchers; improve access to USDA programs for historically underserved communities; increase agricultural opportunities for farm workers; and close the professional achievement gap by providing opportunities for diverse, talented young people to support the agricultural industry in the 21st century.
# USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
